Hadith #3012

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights three characteristics that indicate the foolishness of a person. The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that a person's foolishness can be recognized in their speech about matters that do not concern them, their tendency to answer questions that were not directed towards them, and their recklessness in dealing with their own affairs.

Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the key words in this hadith to gain a better understanding. The word (himaqah) "حِماقَةُ" refers to foolishness or stupidity. It is the state of lacking wisdom, understanding, or prudence. (kalamih fi ma la ya'nihi)

كَلامِهِ فِيما لا يَعْنِيهِ

means speaking about matters that are irrelevant or have no relevance to the person speaking. (jawabih 'amma la yus'al 'anhu)

جَوابِهِ عَمّا لا يُسْئَلُ عَنْهُ

refers to answering questions that were not directed towards the person answering. And finally, (tahawwurihi fi al-umur) "تَهَوُّرِهِ فِيِ الأُمُورِ" signifies the recklessness or carelessness of a person in dealing with their own affairs.

To further understand the significance of this hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against engaging in idle talk and speaking about matters that do not concern us. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah says,

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Isra (17:36), Allah advises us,

And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.

These verses emphasize the importance of speaking with wisdom and knowledge, and refraining from engaging in idle talk or discussing matters that do not concern us. It is a sign of foolishness to involve ourselves in conversations that have no benefit or relevance to our lives.

Furthermore, the Quran also highlights the importance of answering only when asked and not interfering in matters that do not concern us. In Surah Al-Anbiya (21:24), Allah says,

Or have they taken gods besides Him? Say, [O Muhammad], 'Produce your proof. This [Quran] is the message for those with me and the message of those before me.' But most of them do not know the truth, so they are turning away.

This verse reminds us that it is not our place to answer questions or speak on matters that we have no authority or knowledge about. It is a sign of foolishness to involve ourselves in discussions or debates without proper understanding or evidence.

Lastly, the Quran advises us to be cautious and thoughtful in our affairs. In Surah Al-Hashr (59:18), Allah says,

O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow - and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse reminds us to be mindful of our actions and decisions, and to consider the consequences before acting. Recklessness and carelessness in our affairs can lead to negative outcomes and reflect a lack of wisdom and prudence.

In conclusion, this hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for all Muslims to be cautious of their speech, to refrain from involving themselves in matters that do not concern them, and to be thoughtful and deliberate in their actions. It teaches us the importance of wisdom, knowledge, and prudence in our daily lives, and warns against the characteristics of foolishness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these teachings and strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives.